Newlands East singer set to open BP Durban Day with East Coast Radio

It was a dream come true for Durban performer, Simthandile Mtolo. The Newlands East singer staved off tough competition over the weekend to win the opportunity to be the opening act for BP Durban Day with East Coast Radio on 6 September 2015.

Simthandile entered the station’s #BeTheBand competition last month along with hundreds of fellow local bands and singers. The finals at the Royal Palm Court in Gateway on Saturday saw four local music acts battling it out for the top prize. Simthandile performed some of her own songs alongside covers of jams by Mafikizolo, Esperenza Spalding and Naima Kay, showcasing her wide vocal range.

While all four contestants shone, Simthandile’s soulful performance captivated the judges who included ECR’s Music Manager, Debbie Sharratt, Tree 63 frontman John Ellis and radio and TV personality, Terence Pillay.

But music isn’t Simthandile’s only passion. “I do jazz. I sing. I do theatre. I run an arts business – I’m all about just being a performer and an entertainer,” she says. She’s now looking forward to rocking BP Durban Day with East Coast Radio. “I will do everyone proud!” she promises.

In addition to winning the chance of a lifetime to perform at KZN’s hottest music event, Simthandile has also won a R50 000 Gateway music prize.

Tickets for BP Durban Day with East Coast Radio are available at Computicket at R180. Free entry to under 3’s and R20 for kids between 3 and 12. Gates open at 11.30am.

About Meredith Haywood

I'm the Editor and Creative Director of 5 Star Durban, I Instagram a bit, I cook sometimes, but mostly I write, and edit... a lot...
I'm a philanthropist at heart, and I can't resist fluffy bunnies, kittens and puppies... recently I have started to ponder what owning a goat in a flat could be like...